Investing Topics: Income Investing
Utility Bellwethers: Portents from Q1 Results
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 23, 2022
Dow Jones Utility Average returns are now more than 17 percentage points ahead of the S&P 500 year to date. And 21 CUI Portfolio members trade above my highest recommended entry points. But that also means, despite recent stock market turbulence, they’re still high-priced enough for readers to consider cashing out a portion of their positions.
Utility Bonds: High Green Yields in a Zero Rate Environment
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 20, 2020
Now more than ever, it’s a seller’s market for bonds of regulated electric, gas and water utilities. But our list of Fixed income picks features four bonds that trade below our recommended buy prices and meet my cardinal rule for buying any bond or preferred stock.
Seeking Dividend Champions: Don’t Settle for Less
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 21, 2018
This week, Barron’s “5 Dividend Standouts,” asserted that “finding stocks with both attractive yields and strong dividend growth isn’t easy.” But I take issue with the article’s implication that individual investors can’t find stocks with generous and growing dividends on their own when there are 8 rock-solid, buy-rated essential services stocks in our Conservative Income Portfolio right now, yielding an average of 6 percent.
What to Expect When Companies Declare Q3 Dividends
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jun. 23, 2018
The hype and volatility of corporate earnings reporting season will soon be upon us. Before that happens, however, many companies will announce something considerably more near and dear to the hearts of income investors: Calendar third quarter dividends.
A Rare 9 Percent Yield With Safety Credentials
By
Roger S. Conrad on
May. 6, 2018
For the first year since 2005, propane distributor Amerigas Partners (NYSE: APU) didn’t raise its quarterly distribution. Rather than a sign of weakness, however, management’s decision secures the already generous 9 percent plus yield and may have set the stage for shares to break out of an 8-years plus trading range.
Canada’s Communications Champion Going Cheap
By
Roger S. Conrad on
May. 6, 2018
BCE Inc (TSX: BCE, NYSE: BCE) shares have touched a new 52-week low this month. Fortunately, the weakness is due to interest rate worries and a slide in the Canadian dollar as the core business remains strong. And the result is a buying opportunity for this Conservative Holding.
Telecom Values and Value Traps
By
Roger S. Conrad on
May. 6, 2018
Strong business fundamentals, low measures of standard valuation and a generally weak technical picture: Those are the basic traits of a “value” stock, known in some circles as a contrarian bet.
First Reporters of Q1
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 20, 2018
The first six companies in our coverage universe reported calendar Q1 results this week. Readers can find updated comments, ratings, payout ratios and Quality Grades for these companies in the Utility Report Card.
Keeping Our Bearings with Quality Grades
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 13, 2018
What’s the best way to stay on top of a volatile stock market, where a new threat seems to come out of left field every day? Make sure you own shares of high-quality companies that pay dividends.
Dominant Down Under and Cheap Again
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Apr. 13, 2018
This Australian energy giant has reaped the rewards of climbing natural-gas prices while continuing to invest in the future.
MODEL PORTFOLIOS & RATINGS
Aggressive Income Portfolio
Roger's favorite utilities for investors seeking superior price appreciation by taking calculated risks.
Conservative Income Portfolio
Harness the tried and true wealth-building power of rising dividends.
Top 10 DRIPs
Nothing compounds wealth like reinvesting a rising stream of dividends.
Endangered Dividends List
Warning: Falling Dividends.
Utility Report Card
Roger's current take and vital statistics on more than 200 essential-services stocks.
Conrad's Utility Investor
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